Where to stay near san juan puerto rico: Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico

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May 14, 2021
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Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Soak up the sea breeze on your next trip to San Juan | Courtesy of Fairmont El San Juan Hotel / Booking.com

Emily Roethle

6 August 2021

Puerto Rico’s capital city reverberates with history, abuzz with a burgeoning food scene, picture-perfect beaches and exuberant nightlife. Whether you are looking for old-school luxury, ocean views, a gastronomic experience or a sense of community, San Juan has a hotel for every traveler. Here are the best places to stay – book today with Culture Trip.

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

Courtesy of Fairmont El San Juan Hotel / Booking.com

An old Hollywood favorite, the historic Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is the epitome of glamor. From the lobby’s hand-carved cherry-mahogany ceiling to the stunning hand-blown chandelier to the hibiscus scent wafting through rooms, no detail is left unattended to at this luxury resort. Sneak away from the bright, crisp rooms and beachfront pool club to neck a cocktail at the hotel’s speakeasy, Chico Cabaret.

The Dreamcatcher

Courtesy of Dreamcatcher / Booking.com

In stark contrast to the busy streets of Ocean Park, the Dreamcatcher is a pool of Zen calm, as you might expect of San Juan’s first and only vegetarian hotel. The hacienda-style, incense-scented hotel is decked out with in-room hammocks, crystals, outdoor showers, bubbling fountains and of course, handmade artisanal dreamcatchers. Settle in for the locally sourced breakfast each morning before heading out to explore, armed with owner Sylvia de Marco’s colorful hand-drawn area map with her recommendations.

El Convento Hotel

Courtesy of El Convento Hotel / Booking.com

A 17th-century convent in an earlier life, El Convento Hotel now blends that authentic old-world charm with modern elegance. The bright-yellow Spanish Colonial edifice is a design-lover’s dream, with towering, arched doorways, bold mahogany-beamed ceilings and bespoke Spanish furniture that all pay homage to San Juan’s storied past. Toast the end of another day’s adventure with a sunset dip in the hotel’s rooftop plunge pool.

La Concha Renaissance Resort

Courtesy of La Concha Renaissance Resort / Booking.com

Built beside the sands in the Condado district, the La Concha Renaissance Resort is a dreamy beachfront playground. Soak up the sun in one of its handful of beachfront pools and, once you’ve toweled off, make for your spacious, bright-white-and-blue room, to relax before sweeping views of the ocean – the Atlantic is never out of sight. For a night out full of retro-Latino promise, head to Fifty Eight, the property’s oceanfront nightclub, or Casino Del Mar, the sophisticated lobby casino.

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

Courtesy of Condado Vanderbilt Hotel / Booking.com

Step back into a bygone era of opulence and elegance at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel – known for its long list of high-profile guests (which includes Franklin D Roosevelt, John F Kennedy, Jr and, more recently, Ricky Martin). The hotel welcomes you into a striking pink-marble-adorned Art Deco lobby, and soon you’ll be in the cabana-lined ocean-view pool or luxurious Hammam spa. Grab a bite at the hotel’s famed 1919 Restaurant, which turns locally sourced ingredients into dishes with Spanish and Italian flair, paired with an extensive wine menu.

O:live Boutique Hotel

Courtesy of Olive Boutique Hotel / Expedia

The Mediterranean meets the Caribbean at O:live Boutique Hotel, a covetable retreat with Moroccan tiling, wood-slatted walls, intriguing antiques and lemon trees. The result is a special space exuding romance and luxury. Head to the roof-deck plunge pool for views of the Condado Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean – but not before indulging in the black truffle burrata and prime filet mignon at O:live’s Sage Steak Loft.

Casa Wilson Inn

Courtesy of Casa Wilson Inn / Booking.com

In the heart of Condado, Casa Wilson Inn is an urban getaway mere steps away from the city’s best beaches and restaurants. Built in the 1920s, the bungalow-style guesthouse is set amid masses of lush foliage. Cozy rooms are decorated with vibrant art, evocative of the city’s vibrant culture. Casa Wilson Inn can also sort you out with adventure-gear rental, from digital cameras and snorkel equipment to bikes.

Nomada Urban Beach Hostel

Courtesy of Nomada Urban Beach Hostel / Expedia

Located on the famed Calle Loíza, the head-turning blue Nomada Urban Beach Hostel delivers the unique experience of rooftop camping. Catch the sunrise and sunset over Ocean Park and stay under the stars in a two-person tent atop the standout building. If you’re not feeling the camping vibe, Nomada Urban Beach Hostel also has shared dorms and private rooms. Not to mention a sweet little bring-your-own bar.

For more excellent stays in the Puerto Rican capital, see the best hotels in San Juan. Book your stay now through Culture Trip.

These recommendations were updated on August 6, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel – and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Epic Trips, Mini Trips and Sailing Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travellers and friends who want to explore the world together.

Epic Trips are deeply immersive 8 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and enough down time to really relax and soak it all in. Our Mini Trips are small and mighty – they squeeze all the excitement and authenticity of our longer Epic Trips into a manageable 3-5 day window. Our Sailing Trips invite you to spend a week experiencing the best of the sea and land in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm – and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset – and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Best Areas to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Best Districts

Where to Stay in San Juan – A Guide to the Capital of Puerto Rico

San Juan is the capital, largest city, and tourist center of Puerto Rico. Located on an islet, on PR’s Atlantic coast, this lively city is famous for its well-preserved historic quarter and colonial fortresses, its vibrant nightlife, and for being the main gateway to explore the Caribbean Island. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in San Juan – A Guide to the Capital of Puerto Rico

Best Location in San Juan, Puerto Rico: A Quick Guide

Best Hotels in San Juan, PR by Theme

The Best Areas to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico

1. Recommended area: Viejo San Juan (Old Town)

2. Isla Verde

3. Palmas del Mar

4. Ocean Park

5. Condado

Where to stay in other cities

San Juan was founded by the Spanish in 1521, making it one of the oldest European-established cities in the Americas. Some of the most important tourist attractions in Old San Juan are old forts and defensive structures built by the Spanish to protect the city from pirate attacks. The most popular include Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo de San Cristóbal or Fortín San Jerónimo de Boquerón.

Some other sights in the San Juan Old Quarter islet are La Fortaleza, San Juan Bautista Cathedral, Paseo de la Princesa promenade, Casa Blanca, Calle de la Fortaleza, Puerta de San Juan, and Plaza de Armas. See accommodation in Old San Juan.

Other than its historical sights, San Juan is also home to several interesting museums, the most notable being the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico, the Museum of Art and History, the Walter Otero Contemporary Art Museum, and the Museo de las Américas.

San Juan also has several great urban beaches. Places like Condado Beach, Isla Verde Beach, El Escambrón, La Posita, and Punta Salinas offer incredible coastal escapes surrounded by bars, nightlife, and seafood restaurants.

Because of its location in the Caribbean, San Juan has a tropical monsoon climate. There’s little change in temperatures throughout the year; daytime high temperatures usually hover around 90 ºF (32 ºC), while nighttime low temperatures rarely drop below 75º F (24 ºC). The rainy season lasts from April to November, and the driest season is from December through March. There best time to travel to San Juan, PR is anytime during the year. Puerto Rico is truly a year-round tourist destination.

To get to San Juan by air, the city is served by Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Located 3 mi southeast of San Juan’s city center, this airport is one of the busiest in the Caribbean. It offers daily connections to many places in the continental USA, the neighboring islands, and Latin America, and non-stop long-distance flights to Europe.

To move around town, San Juan has an Urban Train Railroad Line connecting some districts of the city (but not the Old Town). The city is also served by a network of buses, private taxis, and mobile apps like Uber. You can also choose to rent a car during your stay.

The best area to stay in San Juan, PR is the city’s Old Town. This quaint and lively district, a World Heritage Site, is home to the city’s historic monuments, main cultural attractions, nightlife, restaurants, and hotels. See accommodation in Old San Juan.

Other areas to keep in mind when choosing the best location in San Juan, Puerto Rico are Isla Verde, Palmas del Mar Ocean Park, and Condado.

Keep reading to find more about the best areas to stay in San Juan, PR.

Promoted Property

Hotel El Convento

This hotel is located in the heart of historic Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Hotel guests will receive beach privileges at the El Convento Beach Club on Isla Verde Beach.

BOOK NOW

Best Location in San Juan, Puerto Rico: A Quick Guide

Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in San Juan depending on your travel style and what you may be planning to do during your trip. Keep reading below to find all the specific information you need about each particular area mentioned here.

Best location in San Juan for sightseeing: Old San Juan
Best location in San Juan for nightlife: Old San Juan | Condado
Best location in San Juan for families: Ocean Park
Best location in San Juan without a car: Old San Juan
Best location in San Juan for first-time visitors: Old San Juan
Best location in San Juan for business travelers: Old San Juan | Condado
Best location in San Juan for surfers: El Escambrón Beach
Best location for a honeymoon or romantic getaway: Isla Verde | Palmas del Mar
Best location in San Juan for LGBTQ travelers: Condado

Best Hotels in San Juan, PR by Theme

Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in San Juan. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!

Most unique hotel: Condado Ocean Club
Best mid-priced hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan
Best budget hotel: Numero Uno Beach Apartments
Best luxury hotel: O:LV Fifty Five Hotel – Adults Only
Best boutique hotel: O:Live Boutique Hotel, A Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Best beachfront hotel: The Tryst Beachfront Hotel
Best hotel with a pool: AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado
Best inn / B&B: 352 Guest House
Best hostel: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Best resort: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

The Best Areas to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico

1. Recommended area: Viejo San Juan (Old Town)

Old San Juan is the heart of the historic city of San Juan. It is the epicenter of the cultural, historical, and commercial activity of the city

Old San Juan is located on a small islet connected to the main island of Puerto Rico by bridges.

Old San Juan is a safe district.

Viejo San Juan is packed with attractions such as the Malecón de San Juan, a boardwalk surrounded by restaurants, cafes, small shops, and many souvenir stalls.

The city’s main colonial defensive buildings like the San Felipe Castle, Castillo de San Cristóbal or the San Jerónimo de Boquerón fortress are all located in San Juan’s islet.

Some other attractions in this lively area include the governor’s palace La Fortaleza, San Juan Bautista Cathedral, the Casa Blanca, Fortaleza Street, and the central square Plaza de Armas.

This area is connected to the rest of the city by bus, taxi, and the Cataño ferry.

The Old Quarter is also a very pedestrian-friendly area.

Old San Juan is also one of the best areas to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico, thanks to its variety of hotels, including boutique properties located in refurbished colonial buildings.

Recommended area to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Old San JuanWhere to stay in San Juan – Old San JuanAccommodation in Old San Juan – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Juan, PR:

Best area for sightseeing
Best area for business travelers
Best area for nightlife
Pedestrian-friendly
Old San Juan Pier

Accommodation in this area

Top Choice
Navona Studios
The rooms are air-conditioned and have a dining area with a fridge and coffee maker. They also have a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms include a balcony.
Budget
Denizens Hostel
Located in San Juan, 600 meters from La Puntilla and 2. 3 km from Playa Ocho, Denizens Hostel offers accommodation with free WiFi throughout.
Luxury
La Terraza de San Juan
This centrally located boutique hotel features a rooftop terrace overlooking San Juan Bay and historic Old San Juan. It is decorated in a 19th century colonial style.

SEE ALL ACCOMMODATION IN THIS AREA

2. Isla Verde

Isla Verde (or “Green Island”) is located about 6,8 miles (11 kilometers) east of San Juan, in the municipality of Carolina.

This area stands out for its exclusive hotels, beaches, nightlife, and proximity to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

Some of San Juan’s best beaches are located in or around this area, including Isla Verde Beach, El Alambique Beach, and Carolina Beach. All these offer free parking.

Furthermore, Isla Verde’s west end has many bars, restaurants, food stalls, and souvenir shops.

Isla Verde is also very pedestrian-friendly. That said, you will probably need a taxi to go into Old San Juan.

Because it is close to the airport, Isla Verde is one of the best areas to stay in San Juan during a layover. It is also great for business travelers.

Accommodation options in this area go from private condos to some of the most exclusive hotels and resorts in Puerto Rico.

Best areas to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Isla VerdeAccommodation in Isla Verde – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Great beaches
Best area for surfers
Resort-type hotels

Accommodation in this area

Top Choice
Verdanza Hotel
This tropical hotel offers poolside spa services, just steps from Isla Verde Beach and 2 km from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

SEE ALL ACCOMMODATION IN THIS AREA

3.

Palmas del Mar

Palmas del Mar is another of the most exclusive areas to stay in San Juan.

It is located in the municipality of Humacao, on the southwestern corner of the island of Puerto Rico.

The Pterocarpus Forest and the Humacao Nature Reserve are some of the attractions in this area.

It is a good place to stay in San Juan, PR for nature lovers and for those seeking tranquility during their stay.

Palmas del Mar offers travelers a variety of water activities: Deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, boat chartering, and surfing.

Here are also some of the best spas, restaurants, and shops in all of Puerto Rico, as well as luxury resort hotels, geared at the most demanding travelers.

This area is one of the safest areas to stay in San Juan, and it can be explored on foot easily.

Palmas del Mar does not have the best transport connections, and it is necessary to use a taxi or car to move to the Old Town.

Where to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Palmas del MarAccommodation in Palmas del Mar – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Juan, PR:

Exclusive area
Golf and water activities
Pterocarpus Forest

Accommodation in this area

Top Choice
The Plaza Suites
The Plaza Suites is located in Humacao and offers free WiFi throughout, a sun terrace with a pool, restaurant and garden. This 4-star hotel has a 24-hour reception and a concierge service.

SEE ALL ACCOMMODATION IN THIS AREA

4. Ocean Park

Ocean Park is one of the quietest areas of San Juan, and the best area to stay with family or children, especially when compared to the hectic pace of the City Center..

Ocean Park is located on the coast of San Juan, between Condado and Isla Verde, and has numerous cafes, bars, and seafood restaurants.

The great attraction of Ocean Park is its huge beach, where watersport enthusiasts can practice surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing.

Transportation in this area is limited to buses and taxis.

Ocean Park stands out for its hotels with sea views. The accommodation offer here goes from small condos to some midrange, family-friendly resorts, and some upscale options.

Recommended area to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Ocean ParkAccommodation in Ocean Park – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay:

Peaceful area
Beach access
All kinds of hotels

Accommodation in this area

Top Choice
Tres Palmas Inn
This hotel is located right in front of the sea. It also has a private patio with an outdoor pool and a roof terrace with a sun terrace. Free WiFi is available throughout the premises.

SEE ALL ACCOMMODATION IN THIS AREA

5.

Condado

Condado is an upper-middle-class residential area.

Condado stands out for its beautiful natural parks such as Antonio Quiñónez or Laguna del Condado, where you can practise some water sports.

Condado is connected to Old San Juan through the Dos Hermanos Bridge, which can be crossed on foot or by bicycle.

Condado is a good option to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico since it offers all kinds of hotels, from simple and cheap pensions to luxury hotels with sea views.

In addition to being a chic area with large luxury stores, it is an ideal setting to sample the island’s culinary creations, as it has numerous restaurants and fast food establishments to the delight of all travelers.

The best way to get around Condado is on foot, however, there are those who prefer to do it by private or rental car.

Buses connect Condado with the rest of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Where to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico – CondadoAccommodation in Condado – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Juan, PR:

Pedestrian-friendly
Dos Hermanos Bridge
Good restaurants

Accommodation in this area

Top Choice
Canario Boutique Hotel
This boutique hotel in Condado, Puerto Rico, just 1 block from Condado Beach, offers air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Budget
Conturce Hostel
Featuring a terrace and free WiFi, Conturce Hostel is located in San Juan, 300 meters from Ocean Park Beach and 700 meters from Condado Beach. The property is around 2.2 km from Punta Las Marías.
Luxury
O:Live Boutique Hotel, A Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Located in the select Condado neighborhood, O: Live Boutique Hotel offers Mediterranean décor and elegant suites. The property provides free WiFi throughout.

SEE ALL ACCOMMODATION IN THIS AREA

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|ES| Dónde alojarse en San Juan, PR.

Rico – how to get there, where to stay and what to do

Puerto Rico

One of the best places to stay is Puerto Rico .

Why?
Puerto Rico and neighboring tiny islands are the only ones in the Caribbean that have an American “Bill of Rights”. It is noticeable: in addition to wonderful beaches, relaxed natives of Indian appearance and an abundance of seafood, Puerto Rico has excellent roads, skyscrapers in the financial center of San Juan, museums, designer shops, hotels and even subways.

What to do?
— Book a boat trip to the uninhabited rocky island of Mona. Giant lizards live in the 60-meter cliffs of the island, sea turtles lay their eggs right on the beaches, the inhabitants of the inner part of the island are feral goats and pigs. A lone lighthouse rises above the cactus forest, and a stunning network of grottoes and caves stretches below. More than 270 species of fish inhabit the coral reefs off the coast. Here are ideal conditions for diving, visibility under water reaches an average of 45-60 meters. You can scuba dive and view tiny organisms called dinoflagellates that glow blue in the dark.
– Go hiking in the rainforests around El Yuque Peak and swim in the waterfall there. Founded in 1903, the reserve is designed to preserve the pristine nature of the island in its untouched form.
– Rent a car and drive along the coast: along the way you will meet fortresses and forts built by the Spaniards. Fuerte San Felipe del Morro is considered one of the most impressive and perfect fortifications in the Caribbean. Founded by Spanish engineers in 1539, the fortress took more than two hundred years to build. The last, sixth tier of this massive structure, which rises 44 meters above the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, was completed in 1787. Over its centuries-old history, the fortress withstood a huge number of attacks, among which the most famous are: the attack of the ships of the famous Francis Drake (1595), the attacks of the Dutch fleet (1625) and the American squadron in 1898. The fortress located in the north-west of the city reliably covers the entrance to San Juan Bay. The northeastern part of the Old Town is guarded by another majestic fortification built by the Spaniards in 1634-1790 – Fuerte San Cristobal. Climbing the 45-meter walls of the fortress, you can enjoy views of the city and its bays. Both fortresses are included in the UNESCO List. A trip to America will introduce you to the unique natural and historical sights of the continent.
– Live the night life in the colonial center of San Juan, surrounded by unearthly beauties – Puerto Rican women won the title of “Miss Universe” more than once.
– Try plantain banana dishes: mo-fongo stuffed with seafood or alcapurria – beef cooked with bananas, crispy fried tostones. However, the Puerto Rican table is not limited to bananas alone.
– You can visit the largest rum distillery in the world – Bacardi. It is located near San Juan. Here you can not only get acquainted with the process of making a drink, but even purchase and taste any of the proposed samples.

Where to stay?
At the Water&Beach Club design hotel in San Juan, at the Bravo Beach Hotel, camping in the
National Park, or at the popular economy parador hotels.

When to go?
The best time to travel is from December to March, when the weather is cool and relatively dry. From the beginning of summer to the end of autumn, the hurricane season lasts – the word itself comes from the name of the local evil deity Huracan.

How to get there?
Puerto Rico is a US Caribbean possession, so you will need to get a US visa. The 10 best hotels near San Juan Bay Marina in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Star Ratings

5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star

Review score

Excellent: 9+
Very good: 8+
Good: 7+
Fairly good: 6+

Our recommendations
Lowest price at the beginning
Number of stars and price
Rating + number of reviews

352 Guest House Hotel Boutique

Old San Juan, San Juan (0.2 miles from San Juan Bay Marina)

352 Guesthouse is located in San Juan. The property has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden. The hotel’s front desk is open 24 hours a day. Room service is available.

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9.7

Superb

186 reviews

Price from

€ 278

per night

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Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast

Old San Juan, San Juan (0. 3 miles from San Juan Bay Marina)

Housed in a restored 18th-century colonial building, Casa Sol B&B is located in the heart of San Juan Old Town, a 13-minute walk from the San Juan Fort.

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9.6

Superb

59 reviews

Price from

€ 237

per night

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EL Colonial Adults Only

Hotel in Old San Juan, San Juan
(0.2 miles from San Juan Bay Marina)

EL Colonial Adults Only is located in San Juan, 2.3 km from Escambron Beach. It offers allergy-free rooms, a bar, free Wi-Fi and a terrace.

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9.3

Excellent

462 reviews

Price from

€ 313

per night

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Fortel Hostel

Old San Juan, San Juan (0. 2 miles from San Juan Bay Marina)

The Fortel Hostel in San Juan is adults only. The property features a restaurant, a shared lounge and a garden. A shared kitchen and concierge services are at guests’ disposal.

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8.9

Fantastic

331 reviews

Price from

€ 38

per night

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Palacio Provincial – Adults Only

Hotel in Old San Juan, San Juan
(0.5 miles from San Juan Bay Marina)

Offering a fitness center and a bar, Palacio Provincial is located in San Juan, 2.7 km from Escambron Beach and less than 1 km from San Felipe del Morro Fort.

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8.8

Fantastic

421 reviews

Price from

€ 225

per night

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Old San Juan Guest House

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Old San Juan, San Juan (0.3 miles from San Juan Bay Marina)

Old San Juan Guesthouse is located in San Juan, 2.3 km from Escambron Beach and 800 meters from the city centre. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a terrace.

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8.7

Fantastic

376 reviews

Price from

€ 187

per night

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Booked hotel near San Juan Bay Marina

8.3
Very well
1 868 reviews

No. 2